Rob Garland

Session Guitarist - Songwriter

Musicians Institute/TrueFire guitar instructor with extensive live/studio experience of 25+ years. Sessions recorded at The Village, Revolver, Bad Robot & The MilI. I understand the concept of playing for the song, can create original in-the-pocket rhythm parts and if you want a soaring lead guitar solo, I'm happy to do that too! Pro gear/tones.

Super friendly and professional - I want your music to sound the best it possibly can and I'm here to help you I approach all projects the same, with 100% passion, enthusiasm and care. Let's talk about your music!

Sessions at high profile studios in London and the U.S. include writing, arranging and recording for blues, jazz, pop, rock, funk, r'n'b, country, fusion, hard rock, reggae and film/tv soundtracks.

Worked in a diverse array of bands, performed on the London college circuit and later played hundreds of gigs at festivals and clubs in the U.S. opening for artists such as B.B. King, Chuck Berry and Booker T.

Faculty member of the guitar department at Musicians Institute, Hollywood, CA with private lessons, open council and classes. Published author and TrueFire instructor with full length instructional courses, YouTube live sessions, Riff articles, artist channel, etc.

3 Reviews

Rob Garland is hands down the best session guitar player I've ever worked with in my 32 year career. First of all, his skill set is world class, but there are a lot of talented, well rounded guitarist you can find out there. What makes Rob stand out from the crowd is how easy and professional he is to work with! He really cares about your project, and is flexible and patient with the creative process. Furthermore, the heart he puts into his work brings a magical ingredient that really seems to elevate everything he touches.

Rob brought an incredible level of versatility to our project, and was open to trying out new ideas until we really nailed the feel we were looking for. He brought a ton of experience, a great professional attitude and a wealth of musical styles to the mix, along with his trademark humor and warmth that put everyone at ease.

I wouldn't hesitate to work with Rob again, and highly recommend him to others.

Rob is a guitarist with lots of soul and character. He’s always full of ideas and he approaches every new project with curiousness and passion. I can always trust him. Working with Rob is pure pleasure as he makes one feel comfortable, in a way that only he can do. Super professional, easy to get along with, and he also has a great dose of humor! Much appreciated!

My warmest recommendations.

Interview with Rob Garland

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: My Seven Voices E.P. I wrote the songs, performed them with my band and co-mixed the music.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: New songs for myself and also a jazz band.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: That I play the same way I do on my own records, I always play for the song.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: How they would like the guitar parts I create to sit in their mix, so I can bounce a rough mix fo them to hear the guitar in context.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Don't be shy asking for what you'd like, it's your song.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Guitar, amp, cord, recorder and spare strings!

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I knew since before college that music, writing songs and playing the guitar was the only thing I was ever going to do so I would be successful at it, no matter what.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Melodic with a twist.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I would have enjoyed jamming with Jimi Hendrix!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Layer an acoustic guitar under a chorus to warm the song up.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Jazz rock fusion.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Playing everything with passion.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Many years of experience, an ear for melody, memorable guitar parts and solos.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Listen to the track and discuss what the client would like me to play then record my parts and send the client a version to review before making changes and sending the final file.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use Logic Pro X with an apogee interface and mic my amps with a '57 or a '58. My go to guitar is an Xotic XSC and the amp I use the most is a Bogner Shiva 20th Anniversary head and matching cab with vintage '30's. For effects I use an Eventide H9 or will add plug in's as required.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?